REV. DARROW L. KANAKANUI AIONA
June 21, 1935- Dec. 20, 2012 Darrow Aiona, 77, passed away on December 20, 2012. A graduate of lolani School, University of Hawaii and Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Darrow was well known through the 1970’s and 80’s as an activist in the early movement for Hawaiian rights. He was the recipient of two Fulbright Scholarships. He influenced many young people in his role as an instructor of Sociology, Religion and Hawaiian Studies at Leeward Community College Subsequently, Darrow was one of the longest serving members of the elected State Board of Education. He was active on various boards and committees, including Catholic Charities of Hawaii and Queens Medical Center Darrow was most defined by his service to the Episcopal Church. He was ordained in 1963, and served churches in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and New York City before returning to Hawaii. While working full time at Leeward College, he was the Vicar of St. John’s by-the-Sea Church (1971- 1986), then Waikiki Chapel (1986-1996). After retiring from the University system, Darrow became the full time rector of St. Mark’s Church in Kapahulu (1997-2007). When it became time for him to retire from the full -time ministry Darrow continued to serve various churches, especially St. John’s, as a priest whenever he was needed. He was faithful to the end. Darrow is survived by his wife of 41 years, Christine (Teena) Urban and by his sister Ellen (Haunani) Aiona. A Solemn Requiem Mass will be said at St. Andrews Cathedral on Wednesday, January 2 at 1:00 PM. Oiaio, e hahai mau ana ia’u ka pono a me ke aloha i na la apau o ko’u ola ana. (Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.)